Deadspin report: Bears QB Caleb Williams fined again over Caddix cleats
Second footwear penalty
ESPN reported that the NFL fined Williams $23,882 on Thursday for wearing Caddix cleats during Chicago’s Week 7 victory over New England. The league treats the footwear as a uniform violation because its shoe partnerships are with Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.
Williams was previously fined $11,941 over the same issue in Week 6. He has appealed that earlier penalty, and Caddix has said it will pay if the fine stands.
Williams plans to continue
Speaking to ESPN on Wednesday, Williams said he plans to keep wearing the cleats without covering the Caddix logo, despite the NFL requirement. He said his choice reflects the brand’s attention to preventing injuries.
Williams told ESPN, “They’re smart cleats. They’re science cleats, and they’ve been working for me.” He also said other NFL players wear them and that he focuses on staying healthy and available.
Caddix defends its cleats
Caddix founder Jack Rasmussen said the cleats rank among the safest options players can wear from a safety standpoint. He told ESPN he was willing to pay the fine, whether it was intended as a marketing penalty or not. The Bears are 5-2 and are scheduled to visit the 4-3 Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.
Key points
- Williams was fined $23,882 for wearing Caddix cleats in Week 7.
- His Week 6 fine for the same issue was $11,941.
- Williams says he plans to keep wearing the cleats without covering their logo.
- Caddix founder Jack Rasmussen said the company would pay Williams’ earlier fine if it stands.